A letter from Producing Artistic Director, Angela Longo
Last season was all about the transformative power of theatre, how art can inspire us, and help us to understand one another differently. When we gathered together for Xanadu and Circle Mirror Transformation we were reminded of what we were missing when COVID closed our doors. Now that we’re back together, we’re inspired by the ways in which we can all deepen our connections, grow as a community and explore our creativity.
Our 2022-2023 Mainstage productions offer us vastly different experiences exploring human connection. I am thrilled to be directing the show stopping musical, Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party this February – a steamy prohibition tale that will make you want to break out your flapper dresses and zoot suits (and maybe enjoy a fancy beverage in our cozy cocktail lounge!). In May, Philadelphia-based artist, Ang Bey will join us to direct the Pulitzer-winning play Water by the Spoonful, a beautiful exploration of the true meaning of family (set in Philadelphia!) with characters you’ll be thinking about long after you leave the theatre.This fall and winter, we’ll be offering more opportunities than ever for our Eagle Family to connect with us: a spooky Halloween gathering, meet & greets, and more. We have a NEW Membership Program that will allow patrons to have year-round exclusive access to member only benefits, discounts on special events, PLUS advance notice for all of our happenings. We just premiered the first Hammonton Comedy Festival this September, and popular events like our New Works Development Series and It’s Not Personal, It’s Drag will also be returning in the spring and summer.
You may have also noted that our Conservatory is growing! This December, our talented students will be working on Into the Woods and have opportunities to enroll in various classes and workshops offered throughout the year, plus two summer camp productions of James and the Giant Peach and Mamma Mia! Finally, we’ll be bringing back the action-packed NJ Fringe Festival in August.
As you can see, there are so many exciting developments in progress here at the Eagle. I am thrilled to be embarking on my second year of producing in Hammonton, and I am now joined by new Managing Director, Katrina Foy, who joins us from Philadelphia’s theater community and has a long history of roots in South Jersey arts. We are now a five-strong dynamic team, and we all can’t wait to meet you/see you again this season back at the Eagle.
Until then,
Producing Artistic Director,
Angela Longo